V.A. - LIFTING THE VEIL: THE EARLIEST BLUESMEN REV. GARY DAVIS & PEERS (CD)

"Another exceptional archival release from Allan Evans' World Arbiter label. After years of preparation, World Arbiter offers new vivid restorations of discs from Harry Smith's Archive. Pioneering legendary artists are heard in a variety of genres which created the blues. Our text contains selections from an astonishing discovery: an unknown 1951 oral history of Rev. Gary Davis, providing a candid, unparalleled insight into his life." Featured artists: Leadbelly, Rev. Gary Davis, Big Bill Broonzy, Gus Cannon & Blind Blake, Leola B. Wilson & Blind Blake, Buddy Boy Hawkins, Ramblin' Thomas, Edward Thompsom, William Moore, Charley Patton, Rube Lacy. Includes two previously unpublished recordings (Rev. Gary Davis from 1956/7 and Leadbelly from 1941), plus various obscure 78 tracks from Harry Smiths' collection (all recorded 1926-1929)." (label info)